The Boubou is Bae
Cover image: Seydou Keita
As the suit is to Europe, so is the bubu to Africa.
Boubous are a wardrobe staple for west African communities and beyond. Depending on where you are on the continent, it acquires a different name. It is very similar to the abaya of the Middle East and the Khaftan of northern Africa and plays a key role in both male and female attire to date.
The ’bou bou’, bubu or boubou dates as far back as the 8th century to the Songhai tribe of Western Africa which spanned across Mauritania, Senegal, Mali and Nigeria.
There are several theories as to its origin; from the linguistic origins linking it to the Wolof tribe of Senegal who call it ‘Mbubbe’ to the similarities in style to the current clothing styles of the Tauregs, Hausas, Songhai and other tribes cross-Saharan countries.
The boubou became more widespread across Africa with the migration of Fulani tribes and with the spread of Islam where more modest clothing was preferred for women to traditional clothing which would often expose the torso of both males and females.
With the comfort fit of the boubou, it is no wonder it has retained its relevance over the centuries – especially in a pandemic where waistlines have become considerably more ‘elasticated’.
The lockdown (1,2 and 3) brought about many changes. Aside from restrictions in shops, it also brought other personal changes. Yes, I am speaking about our waistlines! So we thought a list of the current 5 most stylish Boubou from across the continent would be perfect for the expanded waistline.
It was difficult to choose given the array of styles available but here is our top 5 (in no particular order)
Dye Lab - Nigeria
Founded by one half of Nigerian brand Grey -Rukky Ladoja, it's reasonable to have high expectations- and Dye Lab delivers! Dye Lab's playful use of bright colours with hand dyed prints breathes a new, spicy edge to the traditional boubou making it an easy go-to on days when you just can't be bothered- which is most days at the moment!
New Tangier - Morocco
Moroccan Brand New Tangier pays homage to the boubou with this heavy, mixed print boubou. With copper stripes panels and complementary brocade terracotta print. Simple details that make it perfect for cold and warmer climates.
Sofatoo - Senegal
Senegal brands seem to seamlessly churn out boubou magic - Sofatoo being no exception. Simple, clean lines juxtaposed against delicate fabrics. A more tailored look for a more formal but also flattering boubou.
Selly Rabby Kane - Senegal
Selly Raby Kane takes the boubou up a notch with jovial patchwork of emblems, badges and symbols. Worn by trend setters such as Naomi Campbell and Trevor Stuurman, it's adorned with badges and labels of shrimps, birds and other obscure items which gives it a youthful and almost rebellious vibe
Banke Kuku - Nigeria 
Initially a print maker/designer making prints for design and fashion houses such as Lisa Folawiyo Studios, Banke then set up her eponymous brand, focussing on premium prints on luxe leisure. Her boubous use her famous eponymous prints with accents of Aso-oke fabric around the sleeves and lapels for a unique finish.
Lartisane shop - Senegal
The third of our Senegalese brands with a boubou focus. It's no surprise given the Boubou is native to the west African nation.
The camouflage just got an upgrade we didn't know it needed by Lartisane shop. Rugged, bashful and still keeping in line with tradition with a bold, embroided neckline, this boubou is The General of all boubous! Attention!!
Hey, I don’t know if you recall me. But we were speaking recently when I was out and about. I think there was a filming of something near by or something. But I just wanted to say Thank you for linking me to the instagram page that showed the BEST booboo’s for my bo..body!! I want a green or blue one does anyone know which colour compliments a caramel shade of black? Thanks :D
Oh my gosh. Oh my gosh.I’ve been looking for clothes for something that is good for my frame. This is my saving grace. I don’t know if you remember me but I bumped into you recently. You were giving me fashion advice about what I should wear and I truly appreciated your advice. I think you showed me a picture of booboo’s on instagram. I just want to say thank you. And your fashion is simply sublime.